Published on Nov 2, 1999
Not in a long time have a heard a band that made me want to slam
dance as much as Soil. Finally, a band that combines a
rough-n-tough attitude and has the metal guitars and thunderous
drums to back it up. This is a metal band that rocks. Finally.
The impressive sounds from this Chicago band’s album
Throttle Junkies start immediately with “Everything,” a song
that jumps into a showcase for vocalist Ryan McCombs to shout/sing
his lyrics. Things stay on track with both “Road To Ruin,” “Damning
Eden” and “F-Hole.” If the band had an official anthem, this song
would be the favorite to be it. McCombs is absolutely vicious when
he screams”You make me want to stand up/ And scream I want to be
Free/ Never think about the unthinkable/ 1600 and her backwards
dance.”
Things calm down for “Man I Am,” the closest the band comes to a
‘slow song.’ It isn’t long before guitarists Adam Zadel and Shaun
Glass shatter an acoustic guitar rhythm with sharp guitar
shreddings. McCombs is brutal again with lyrics like “Once I
crawled and once I walked/ And now I stand just to fall down
again.”
By the time you get to “Stand To Fall,” you know and understand
the magic of this band. Drummer Tom Schonfield takes the role of
leader and navigates through a toggling of vibes. This time, it’s
upbeat and a more mellow vibe. Schonfield’s drumming shines the
brightest on this track.
Soil is new and wet behind the ears. The songs here, though,
display the type of maturity in songwriting and musical ability I’d
expect from a band that has been around forever. The crunchy
guitars and past-your-face-and-down-your-throat aggressive vocals
are just two of this band’s many strengths. I expect big things
from this band in the 21st Century.